I'm Craig Finnman, a REALTOR® with Royal LePage Prestige Realty in Sherwood Park, and I've helped sellers in Sherwood Park, Edmonton and Strathcona County for 19 years. Here is how Deanna Jacobson and I sell a home, step by step from pricing to possession day, so you know what happens and why.
How do you price a home to sell in Sherwood Park?
I price your home with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA): recent sales of similar homes in your area, adjusted for size, condition, updates and lot. As a Canadian Residential Appraiser, I apply appraisal-level discipline, so the price attracts buyers and holds up when the buyer's lender orders its own appraisal.
Start with a free home evaluation.
How should you prepare your home before listing?
Preparation starts outside and works in: curb appeal first, then decluttering, repairs, cleaning and staging so each room shows at its best. I walk through your home with you, recommend what is worth doing before listing and what isn't, and can refer trusted stagers and trades if you need them.
More detail is in my home selling tips.
How will your home be marketed?
Your home goes on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®), where other REALTORS® can see it right away, and on my website around the clock. Buyers in my Personal Home Search database whose criteria match get it by email automatically, and I also use print advertising and direct mail to reach local buyers.
- MLS® listing with full details for every agent and buyer search.
- Website listing at craigfinnman.ca, available 24 hours a day.
- Personal Home Search emails to matching buyers, now and in future.
- Print and direct mail to buyers in the area.
- Presentation: clients describe professional photos and 3D or virtual tours on their listings.
How are offers and conditions handled?
Most Alberta offers include a price, a deposit, a possession date and conditions such as financing and a home inspection, each with a deadline. I review every term with you, explain the risk in each condition, and keep deadlines tight so a firm sale happens on schedule and you can plan your next move.
What does a strong negotiator do for you?
A strong negotiator protects your net proceeds, not just your list price. I counter offers with evidence from comparable sales, negotiate possession, inclusions and conditions as hard as price, and handle inspection requests so they don't erode your deal. If there are multiple offers, I manage them clearly and fairly.
Client Ainsley Painchaud wrote: "Craig Finnman is friendly, professional, a firm negotiator, and great to work with." Lorne Strachan, who sold with Deanna and me, wrote: "What really stood out was their approach to negotiation—firm, strategic, and focused on getting the best possible outcome." Read more client testimonials and recent sales.
What happens between a firm sale and closing?
Once conditions are removed, the sale is firm. Your real estate lawyer handles the transfer of title and payout of your mortgage, and I make sure documents such as your Real Property Report are delivered on time. On possession day the buyer gets the keys and your lawyer releases your sale proceeds.
What does a realtor cost in Sherwood Park?
Real estate commission in Alberta is not set by law. It is negotiated between you and the brokerage and written into your listing agreement, along with the services included. I explain my fee, my marketing plan and how commission is shared with the buyer's brokerage before you sign. GST applies to commission.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to sell a house in Sherwood Park?
Selling time depends on price, condition, neighbourhood and season. Well-priced, well-prepared homes sell faster in any market. During your home evaluation, I show you current MLS® days on market for comparable homes in your area, so you can plan your sale, possession date and next purchase around real numbers.
Do I need to stage my home to sell it?
You don't have to stage, but buyers respond to homes that look clean, uncluttered and move-in ready. Often simple changes such as decluttering, repairs and rearranging furniture are enough. I'll tell you honestly where staging will pay off for your home and can refer a stager when it will.
Can I sell my house and buy another at the same time?
Yes. Many of my clients sell and buy at once when downsizing or upgrading. Options include making your purchase conditional on your sale, negotiating possession dates that line up, or arranging bridge financing through your lender. I plan both sides together so you don't end up with two homes or none.
What documents do I need to sell my house in Alberta?
Most Alberta sales need a current Real Property Report with municipal compliance, your mortgage details, and recent utility and property tax information. Condo sellers also need condominium documents such as bylaws, financial statements and the reserve fund study. I'll give you a checklist when we list so nothing delays closing.
Is real estate commission negotiable in Alberta?
Yes. Commission in Alberta is not fixed by law or by any board; it is agreed between you and the brokerage in a written listing agreement. Compare what each agent includes, such as pricing analysis, marketing and negotiation, not just the rate. I explain my fee clearly before you sign.
Ready to talk strategy? Call Craig Finnman at 780-982-1589, email craig@craigfinnman.ca, or book a free home evaluation. Royal LePage Prestige Realty, 425-450 Ordze Road, Sherwood Park. Learn more about Craig or see the Sherwood Park realtor page.
